Calderdale Project Update Archives

Meet and Eat For Disabled People, Families and Carers In North Halifax, Ovenden

30 November 2023

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Categories: Blog, Calderdale Project Update, Events

Accessible Calderdale: Meet and Eat For Disabled People, Families and Carers in North Halifax, Ovenden

Part of the Accessible Calderdale Project.

Meet and Eat

For disabled people, families and carers.

For disabled residents and carers living in North Halifax.

Venue:

Blackburn House

Nursery Lane

Ovenden

HX3 5SJ

Date:

Wednesday 31st January 2024
11.00am to 2.00pm

We welcome all disabled people to a warm and friendly accessible venue, hot meal provided and opportunity to meet like minded people.

Gentle relaxation available too from Everybody Needs Massage with Kay.

For more information, and making sure we meet your access needs please contact

lorraine.accessiblecalderdale@gmail.com

Or call on: 07596 707795

You can read more about the Accessible Calderdale Disability Access Forum here

More about the Accessible Calderdale Project

The Accessible Calderdale Project, commenced in 2018 with the aim to reduce inequality, remove barriers, promote inclusion and improve access to our local community and visitors, enabling all people to have equal opportunities, make a positive contribution and lead purposeful lives.

“We aim to create choices and a more cohesive community where everyone has the opportunity to interact and play an equal part in society.”

You can keep up to date with the Accessible Calderdale Project on our Facebook page.

Our Aims and Objectives

Working in co-production with our Accessible Calderdale Disability Forum, we work towards removing both the physical and non-physical barriers to inclusion by:

Raising awareness and changing attitudes towards disabled people to enable positive interaction in everyday life
Promoting accessible venues, places of interest, green spaces, new builds & regeneration projects
Disability equality and customer service training
Working collaboratively with key organisations

Co-production/Partnerships

A co-production and partnership approach is central to our work. We work closely with a wide range of colleagues from key organisations and stakeholders including Calderdale Council Visit Calderdale, Visit Hebden and Visit Todmorden to improve the accessibility of information provided on their websites, to ensure that there are up to date access statements, and that all venues, businesses and organisations are able to have access audits.

We encourage disabled people to review local places and for this to be used on Visit Calderdale website.

For more information please contact:- lorraine.accessiblecalderdale@gmail.com

Meet and Eat For Disabled People, Families and Carers In North Halifax, Mixenden

30 October 2023

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Categories: Blog, Calderdale Project Update, Events

Accessible Calderdale: Meet and Eat For Disabled People, Families and Carers in North Halifax, Mixenden

Part of the Accessible Calderdale Project.

Meat-and-eat-flyer-North-Halifax-Mixenden — Meat and eat flyer North Halifax-Mixenden

For disabled people, families and carers.

For disabled residents and carers living in North Halifax

Venue: Holy Nativity Church, Sunny Bank Road, Mixenden, Halifax, HX2 8RX

Wednesday 29th November 2023 11am to 2pm

Opportunity to meet friendly, like-minded people in a warm, relaxing and welcoming space.

Have your say about your local area.

Refreshments and lunch provided at no cost. Booking essential.For more information, and making sure we meet your access needs please contact lorraine.accessiblecalderdale@gmail.com

or Katie on 07908 624549

You can read more about the Accessible Calderdale Disability Access Forum here

More about the Accessible Calderdale Project

The Accessible Calderdale Project, commenced in 2018 with the aim to reduce inequality, remove barriers, promote inclusion and improve access to our local community and visitors, enabling all people to have equal opportunities, make a positive contribution and lead purposeful lives.

“We aim to create choices and a more cohesive community where everyone has the opportunity to interact and play an equal part in society.”

You can keep up to date with the Accessible Calderdale Project on our Facebook page.

Our Aims and Objectives

Working in co-production with our Accessible Calderdale Disability Forum, we work towards removing both the physical and non-physical barriers to inclusion by:

Raising awareness and changing attitudes towards disabled people to enable positive interaction in everyday life
Promoting accessible venues, places of interest, green spaces, new builds & regeneration projects
Disability equality and customer service training
Working collaboratively with key organisations

Co-production/Partnerships

A co-production and partnership approach is central to our work. We work closely with a wide range of colleagues from key organisations and stakeholders including Calderdale Council Visit Calderdale, Visit Hebden and Visit Todmorden to improve the accessibility of information provided on their websites, to ensure that there are up to date access statements, and that all venues, businesses and organisations are able to have access audits.

We encourage disabled people to review local places and for this to be used on Visit Calderdale website.

For more information please contact:- lorraine.accessiblecalderdale@gmail.com

Accessible Calderdale Disability Access Forum: Giving Disabled People a Voice

13 September 2023

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Categories: Blog, Calderdale Project Update

Having a voice with the Accessible Calderdale Disability Access Forum

Thanks to the funding from Postcode Neighbourhood Trust, we have been able to continue our work with the Accessible Calderdale Disability Access Forum. This funding has enabled us to create an accessible platform where local disabled people can openly share their lived experiences. These discussions shed light on the challenges and daily barriers they face.

We focus on the things that are important to local people. Including getting out and about and how to get there. Both these go together. You need to be able to get on a bus, drive and park, and arrive safely at your destination. You also need the information before you leave the house, and to be clear on what to expect when you get there.

We aim that the whole customer experience of a day out, a trip to the park, visiting a museum, going to the library, shopping or eating in a café is as accessible and inclusive to all.

Disabled people with a wide range of impairments, family members, and carers make up the Accessible Calderdale Disability Access Forum. They all have deep insight and local knowledge of what works and where to go. Also what doesn’t work and what we can do together to make improvements. Our group meets regularly on line, face to face and in local parks and greenspaces.

We make sure that our group is represented at local strategic level, ward forums, consultation meetings, and events as well as our own focus groups and peer support sessions.

For more information on the Accessible Calderdale Disability Access Forum please get in touch with

Lorraine.accessiblecalderdale@gmail.com

Tel 07596707795

You can read more about the Accessible Calderdale Disability Access Forum here

Walk and Ride South Pennines Festival September 28th 2023

30 August 2023

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Categories: Blog, Calderdale Project Update, Events

Walk and Ride South Pennines Festival September 28th 2023

Part of the Accessible Calderdale Project.

Walk and Ride South Pennines Festival September 28th 2023

11.00am to 1.30pm

The Accessible Calderdale Project

For all disabled people, family members and carers.

We welcome everyone

Join us for good company, beautiful countryside and lots of fun.

Please bring a picnic and we will provide drinks and snacks. Changing Places accessible toilets available at start and finish.

Meet at Todmorden Learning Centre and Community Hub,

44 Burnley Rd, Todmorden OL14 7BX ( https: /tlchub.org.uk/ )

For more information on getting there, any access needs and booking a place please contact:

lorraine.accessiblecalderdale@gmail.com Or call on: 07596 707795

https: /southpenninespark.org/event-list/walk-and-ride-festival/

You can read more about the Accessible Calderdale Disability Access Forum here

More about the Accessible Calderdale Project

The Accessible Calderdale Project, commenced in 2018 with the aim to reduce inequality, remove barriers, promote inclusion and improve access to our local community and visitors, enabling all people to have equal opportunities, make a positive contribution and lead purposeful lives.

“We aim to create choices and a more cohesive community where everyone has the opportunity to interact and play an equal part in society.”

You can keep up to date with the Accessible Calderdale Project on our Facebook page.

Our Aims and Objectives

Working in co-production with our Accessible Calderdale Disability Forum, we work towards removing both the physical and non-physical barriers to inclusion by:

Raising awareness and changing attitudes towards disabled people to enable positive interaction in everyday life
Promoting accessible venues, places of interest, green spaces, new builds & regeneration projects
Disability equality and customer service training
Working collaboratively with key organisations

Co-production/Partnerships

A co-production and partnership approach is central to our work. We work closely with a wide range of colleagues from key organisations and stakeholders including Calderdale Council Visit Calderdale, Visit Hebden and Visit Todmorden to improve the accessibility of information provided on their websites, to ensure that there are up to date access statements, and that all venues, businesses and organisations are able to have access audits.

We encourage disabled people to review local places and for this to be used on Visit Calderdale website.

For more information please contact:- lorraine.accessiblecalderdale@gmail.com

Meet and Eat For Disabled People, Families and Carers Park Ward Halifax

30 August 2023

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Categories: Blog, Calderdale Project Update, Events

Accessible Calderdale: Meet and Eat For Disabled People, Families and Carers in Park Ward Halifax

Part of the Accessible Calderdale Project.

Accessible Calderdale Poster for Meet and Eat in Park Ward — Poster for Meet and Eat in Park Ward

Are you a disabled person, a carer, or a family member living in or near to Park Ward?

We are holding our Meet and Eat get together on:

Wednesday 25th October 2023, Wednesday 13th December 2023 , Wednesday 17th January 2024, Wednesday 13th March 2024

At 11.00am to 2.00pm

Meet other disabled people in a friendly. accessible and warm environment.

Join us for refreshments and free food.

Every Body Needs Massage will be with us too.

For more information email lorraine.accessiblecalderdale@gmail.com

or text 07596707795

Thanks to Community Foundation for Calderdale VSI AllianceWest Yorkshire Integrated Care Board for funding these sessions.

#harnessingthepowerofcommunities

You can read more about the Accessible Calderdale Disability Access Forum here

More about the Accessible Calderdale Project

The Accessible Calderdale Project, commenced in 2018 with the aim to reduce inequality, remove barriers, promote inclusion and improve access to our local community and visitors, enabling all people to have equal opportunities, make a positive contribution and lead purposeful lives.

“We aim to create choices and a more cohesive community where everyone has the opportunity to interact and play an equal part in society.”

You can keep up to date with the Accessible Calderdale Project on our Facebook page.

Our Aims and Objectives

Working in co-production with our Accessible Calderdale Disability Forum, we work towards removing both the physical and non-physical barriers to inclusion by:

Raising awareness and changing attitudes towards disabled people to enable positive interaction in everyday life
Promoting accessible venues, places of interest, green spaces, new builds & regeneration projects
Disability equality and customer service training
Working collaboratively with key organisations

Co-production/Partnerships

A co-production and partnership approach is central to our work. We work closely with a wide range of colleagues from key organisations and stakeholders including Calderdale Council Visit Calderdale, Visit Hebden and Visit Todmorden to improve the accessibility of information provided on their websites, to ensure that there are up to date access statements, and that all venues, businesses and organisations are able to have access audits.

We encourage disabled people to review local places and for this to be used on Visit Calderdale website.

For more information please contact:- lorraine.accessiblecalderdale@gmail.com

Update regarding accessible toilets

29 August 2023

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Categories: Blog, Calderdale Project Update

Our Accessible Calderdale project and the Accessible Calderdale Disability Access Forum are at the heart of many of the new designs and developments across Calderdale.

We thought it would be helpful to give people some up-to-date information about accessible toilets as we know this is something very important. Difficulty in finding a loo is often a reason disabled people find it hard to plan a day out.

Logo of the Changing Places campaign and brand

Photo of a fully accessible large toilet space with changing table, toilet, sink and hoist.

Drawing of a fully accessible large toilet space with changing table, toilet, sink and hoist

The Changing Places campaign

For many years we have supported the Changing Places campaign.

Changing Places are a specific type of accessible toilet. They are different from a standard accessible toilet in that they have lots of space, an adjustable bed, and a hoist. These features are necessary for people who need a lot of help and who cannot go out and about unless these types of facilities are available.

Changing Places is also the name of the national consortium of organisations which campaigns for and registers Changing Places toilets. These organisations work to ensure that people with disabilities have access to the Changing Places toilets they need to live full and independent lives.

Changing Places accessible toilets give more disabled people with a wide range of impairments the opportunity to get out and about with the knowledge that they can either go to the toilet or have space to be changed. This can have a positive impact on their physical and mental health, as well as their social and economic participation.

They can be opened with a Radar Key. Or a key is often available at the venue.

https://news.motability.co.uk/everyday-tips/radar-keys-explained-what-are-they-where-can-i-use-them-and-how-do-i-get-one/

There has been a campaign for many years to improve toilets for disabled people and children.

Due to the success of the campaign there has been a lot of funding available for local authorities to apply to have Changing Places toilet facilities in local venues.

Some of these venues could be:

A shopping centre or
Theatre or
Museum or a
Park

In Calderdale we worked closely 18 months ago with the local council to receive funding for 3 new Changing Places accessible toilets.

Todmorden Community Hub – about to be opened with a launch

Fire and Water – in progress

Ogden Reservoir – in progress

Where are Changing Places accessible toilets?

There are already Changing Places accessible toilets in the following venues:

Eureka

https://play.eureka.org.uk/plan-your-visit/access-information/

Orange Box Youth Centre in the centre of Halifax

https://www.closomat.co.uk/changing-places-at-the-orangebox-to-optimise-youth-potential/

Square Chapel theatre in the centre of Halifax

https://squarechapel.co.uk/visit/

Brighouse Swimming Pool and Fitness Centre

https://www.calderdale.gov.uk/v2/sports-and-fitness/venues/brighouse-swimming-pool-and-fitness-centre

The new bus station in Halifax

https://www.yourvoice.westyorks-ca.gov.uk/hbs/widgets/10395/faqs

For more information on Changing Places see:

https://www.changing-places.org/

Centre Vale Park Todmorden looks like a great place to visit after lockdown.

21 April 2020

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Categories: Blog, Calderdale Project Update

Recently I was made aware of Centre Vale Park in Todmorden . I’ve not had the pleasure of a visit yet but looking at the little I’ve seen online it looks very enticing & seems very accessible .

There are 33 hectares so it covers a fairly large area & seems to have areas to suit everybody . I look forward to visiting when lockdown is behind us all to see what it has to offer . Situated on Burnley Road , half a mile from Todmorden town centre it boasts woodland walks , open parkland , play areas & even an under 12s roadway , to name but a few . Definitely one to look forward to .

So, the first year of the brilliant Accessible Calderdale project is already over! Bring on the second!

10 January 2020

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Categories: Blog, Calderdale Project Update

It’s been consistently absorbing and incredibly varied. Massive plans, big ideas, selfless individuals – it’s all there.

I’ve met many, many interesting, committed, hard-working people – all determined to make their particular voluntary project work. Hopefully my advice, followed by money from Community Foundation for Calderdale will help them all to realise their dreams.

People always want to hear a summary at this time of the year – high spots, interesting people, fascinating twists, unexpected turns – so here goes!

After roughly forty audits I’ve accumulated plenty of stories……